An outstanding edition of the Turnbull Stakes headlines another strong ten-race Spring Carnival program at Flemington on Saturday, and Ladbrokes are here with our complete 2026 Turnbull Stakes Day preview and predictions.
With talented fields confirmed for every single event, the meeting shapes as another terrific betting program.
You can find my complete Flemington best bets below, including my 2026 Turnbull Stakes tips.
We’ll get a first look at the new crop of two-year-olds in the first on Turnbull Stakes Day and SILENT INTENT (1) is one that looks to have some ability.
By Hellbent and out or Silent Monarch, Silent Intent has cruised home in two public trials here at Flemington and looks ready to debut in the best way possible.
| 4. Silent Intent (1) J: Jye Mcneil 58kg T: Tony & Calvin Mcevoy | |||
| Colt by Hellbent facing the starter for the first time. Won a jump-out at Flemington on September 24. Looked smart in latest hitout and should take beating. | |||
CABRIOLE (14) takes winning form and improvement into this contest.
The Lonhro gelding hasn’t turned in a poor performance since debuting, winning three of six starts and placing on every other occasion, finding form around some classy opposition.
Having returned to action to get up in BM78 company at Caulfield last month, I think she’ll only be better for that hit-out, and she need only handle the straight to be in the finish again.
This is a strong edition of the Super Impose Stakes but I am happy to stick with ICY YOU (6) at a big price ($15 at publish).
In three starts since debut, Icy You has performed well – breaking his maiden in dominant fashion at Echuca second up before only just missing over 1800m at Caulfield last time out.
He’s open to further improvement this week and is drawn to receive a lovely run under Froggy Newitt.
TOLAGA BAY (8) is another one that I am keen to stick with at Flemington on Turnbull Stakes Day.
Having won on debut at Ballarat in February, the Alabama Express filly picked up where she left off when striking in BM64 company at Sandown last month.
While well beaten by the likes of Icelady in the Thousand Guineas Prelude last time out, there were still things to like about her performance, and I am confident the run will have brought her right on for the 2026 Edward Manifold.
GOLD COAST BELLE (9) can bounce back in the Rose Of Kingston Stakes.
Ending her last pep with three-consecutive victories, including the Listed Bendigo Guineas, Gold Coast Belle returned to action with a dominant performance to strike in BM88 company at Sandown, comfortably accounting for the likes of the previously undefeated Tennessee Bound.
While still beaten less than two lengths in the Group 2 Let’s Elope here last time out, she was still quite flat in her performance, and given everything else she has produced this year, I’m happy to forgive.
Third up with Mark Zahra jumping into the saddle, she gets plenty of ticks this week.
NATURAL FLING (10) demands favouritism in the Danehill Stakes, and she is my best bet on the program.
In just four career starts, Natural Fling has well and truly stamped herself as a sprinting star of the future, particularly in her effortless first up victory in the Quezette Stakes at Caulfield, that saw her greeting the judge four lengths ahead of her rivals.
Tossed in the deep end of the Group 1 Moir Stakes last time out, she hit the line to finish a length third, and I love that she has been kept up to the mark with a trial since that race.
With Melbourne Cup ballot-free entry going on the line, a classy and open field of stayers will contest The Bart Cummings and LITZDEEL (12) is one that has each way appeal for mine ($10 at publish).
In peak order this week, Litzdeel was fair enough through the line when fifth in the Lexus Archer last time out and prior to that, turned in two fine performances over 1800m and 2000m respectively.
With improvement taken from that first run over 2500m this campaign last time out, she’ll carry just 54kgs and will be doing her best work late and through the line again.
This is an outstanding edition of the Turnbull Stakes with some of the country’s best horse engaged, but I am keen to be with the early favourite, SIR DELIUS (9).
The multiple Group 1 winner has been set for a tilt at the Ladbrokes Cox Plate, and he returned to action with a fine performance to finish on the placegetters’ heels in the Makybe Diva Stakes.
He boasts an outstanding second up record, the 2000m at Flemington is perfect for him, and he can further stamp himself as one of the country’s best by winning.
Plenty of Group 1 talent is engaged in the 2026 Gilgai Stakes field including SKYBIRD (5), who I’ve got on top.
She interestingly hasn’t won a race since taking out the 2025 edition of the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes down the straight here at Flemington more than 18 months ago, but Skybird has turned in several fine performances since, and strips fitter for a credible midfield finish in the Moir.
A recent trial performance adds extra confidence; she’s down in the weights and should find a nice position in the run under Ben Melham.
Off the back of two smart trials, I am keen to have something on STEPARTY (4) at each way odds in the Paris Lane Stakes this week.
We haven’t seen the son of Artie Schiller in action since April, but he produced a strong overall preparation in the autumn, winning a couple of feature races in Tasmania most notably.
A multiple winner at this point of his prep, Johnny Allen can find a nice position in the run from barrier 4 and something like this still looks well within the horse’s abilities.
